Methods and Apparatus for Intracranial Ultrasound Delivery

Abstract

A method for delivering ultrasound energy to a patient's intracranial space involves forming at least one hole in the patient's skull, advancing at least one ultrasound delivery device at least partway through the hole(s), and transmitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound delivery device(s). According to various embodiments, ultrasound delivery devices may be advanced into the epidural space, one or both ventricles and/or an intracerebral space of the patient's brain. In alternative embodiments, one or multiple holes may be formed in the skull, and any number of ultrasound delivery devices may be used. Intracranial ultrasound delivery may be used in diagnostic or therapeutic treatment of ischemic stroke, head trauma, atherosclerosis, perfusion disorders and other acute or chronic neurological conditions.

1 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . A method for treating blood clots in a patient's head, comprising:
 forming at least one aperture in the patient's head;   positioning an ultrasound device within the at least one aperture;   transmitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound device at frequencies between 10 kHz and 10 Mhz to a treatment location; and   evacuating blood clots outside of the patient's head.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the ultrasound device is positioned on the patient's dura mater. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , further providing a conductive medium which interfaces between the ultrasound device and the patient's head. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , further including providing the conductive medium in the form of a compliant pack. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein conductive medium is selected from the group consisting of: gel, oil, saline, and a combination of all three. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising delivering at least one pharmacologic agent to the treatment location. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising delivering bubbles or microbubbles to the treatment location. 
     
     
         45 . A method for treating blood clots in a patient's head, comprising:
 forming at least one aperture in the patient's head;   advancing an ultrasound device to a treatment location inside the patient's head;   transmitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound device at frequencies between 10 kHz and 10 Mhz; and   evacuating blots clots outside of the patient's head.   
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising using an introducer to position the ultrasound device at the treatment location. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the introducer is a device that is also performs other therapeutic or diagnostic functions. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising monitoring treatment progress using one or more visualization or sensing devices. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising delivering at least one pharmacologic agent to the treatment location. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 45 , further comprising delivering bubbles or microbubbles to the treatment location.